The Mille Miglia race in Italy is a long running automotive tradition steeped in history. Chopard watches have a long running tradition with the event, having been the sponsor and official time keepers of the event since 1988. The association is more than just a sponsorship deal though, the watch makers created the Mille Miglia chronograph in the same year, which was inspired by the event.
Chopard co-presidents Karl-Friedrich and Caroline Schefeule signaled the start of the race by setting off in a Ferrari 750 Monza. The race takes drivers on a round trip from Brescia to Rome and Back again on a 1000mile round trip.
Karl-Friedrich started with the idea of creating a watch for lovers of automobiles. The Mille Miglia watch is designed to impart the intricate mechanical detail and precision that car enthusiast lust after in classic cars. He is a racing enthusiast himself and has personally participated in each race since the partnership started in 1988.
On the evening of the 17th May, some 385 cars set off for the 1000 mile race leading around Italy from Brescia to Rome and back again. The cars started in the presence of Sir Stirling Moss, a living legend from the Mille Miglia. The route lead cars through Ferrara and San Marino, coming back from Rome via Bologna and Modena. This years victors were Argentine pair Claudio Scalise and Daniel Claramunt in their 1933 Alfa Romeo 6C 1500.
The racing watches in Chopards collection have become very popular with watch and motor enthusiasts alike. Every year has a new edition from Chopard, which is eagerly anticipated by many.
The Mille Miglia is a staple of Chopards™ watch collection, with many variations available to suit all tastes. The 2012 edition which you can see here - Chopard Mille Miglia GMT Chrono 2012 “ features a predominantly black construction with red highlights. The strap is made of rubber and designed to mimic the tread on a carâs™ tyres. The watch is limited to 2012 pieces worldwide and comes with a presentation box.